The two men pleaded guilty of stealing cash machines containing almost £300,000 in a series of eight ram-raids at local supermarkets and shops across Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Suffolk and Norfolk.

Oakley received a six-year prison sentence after admitting to a number of the ram raids, while Smith was handed a five-year sentence in a youth offenders institute for his part in the series which included three separate incidents in Cambridgeshire.

The duo, who committed the crimes between March and April, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle in relation to a number of ram-raids to steal cash machines across the region.

Tony Smith, 19, of Schole Road, Willingham

As part of the crime spree they also stole a number of vehicles such as Land Rovers and Audis, which were used to ram into the storefronts and as get-away cars.

Detective inspector Trevor Davidson, who led the investigation for ERSOU on behalf of forces across the eastern region, said: “This ruthless cross-border crime blitz saw hundreds of thousands of pounds being stolen, not to mention the significant amount of damage caused to the businesses affected, and the multiple vehicles stolen from innocent people across the region.

“This was an incredibly complex investigation due to the large number and geographical span of the offences, but thanks to the hard work and dedication of our officers, and the close working with forces in seven different counties, we have been able to bring these criminals to justice.

“ERSOU is committed to tackling serious and organised criminals and we’re pleased to have been able to put these men behind bars, preventing any future offending from them, and hopefully sending a warning to others that you will not get away with this type of offending in the eastern region.”

A 17-year-old from Market Harborough has also pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to burgle charge in relation to the same series of ram raids and will be sentenced later this month.